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Joel Embiid is the Troll of the Year

Plenty of sports stars had great years (Serena Williams won the Australian Open, gave birth to her first child AND had a fairy tale wedding), but no one had a better year on the internet than Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid.

Sure, Philly’s 2014 had already made a name for himself on the interwebs during the two years he sat on the bench injured, with his courtship of Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, Cavaliers star LeBron James, Golden State’s Kevin Durant and more.

After making his long-awaited NBA debut in October 2016, Embiid hit his stride as the new year began, averaging 23.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.6 blocks over nine games in the month of January, earning Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month and Player of the Week honors.

The self-proclaimed internet troll (nickname Troel Embiid) launched a grassroots and hilarious All-Star campaign, with support from former GM Sam Hinkie.

Being able to cook opponents on the court has added a completely new dimension to his troll game, as evidenced by what we’ve seen thus far in the 2017-18 season.

Joel Embiid fires up the crowd. (Getty)

When Heat center, and fellow elite social media personality, Hassan Whiteside had to be subbed out of a preseason contest when Embiid drew a couple of quick fouls, Embiid used the art of the location in his postgame Instagram.

Things escalated into a full-on Twitter battle, which Embiid sealed with a shot at Durant.

Dude they had to take your ass out or you would’ve fouled out in 5 min… And we’re talking about Preseason, not regular season….. #Softyhttps://t.co/IAIBDDypFK